The effect of increasing physical activity on voluntary food intake and energy balance.

Energy homeostasis with increased physical activity is dependent upon compensatory changes in intake. Results from metabolic balance studies in obese women indicate a dissociation of energy intake from that expended as exercise. Voluntary intake remained fixed at a sedentary level whether activity was added to or subtracted from total daily expenditure. The importance of physiological factors such as excess energy stores or psychological factors such as habit or sensory perceptions in obesity needs consideration.